We’ve done fake light & fluffy, we’ve done some music (though go and have a look here and here for way more on the music thing), and we’ve done real light & fluffy.
So today, let’s talk about love.
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8 : 38-39
That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Ephesians 3 : 17-18
How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end] I would still be with You Psalm 139 : 17-18
These are some of my favourite verses, taken from the Amplified Bible, of the myriad that share God’s love. Sometimes, the extra translational detail the Amplified includes can get in the way of the poetry and/or general flow of the prose. I understand this, though in my view the primary importance is that I fully grasp the intended meaning. Once this is done, the embellishments can be removed to reveal a smooth flow. Language is so fun.
How about you? What speaks to you about love?
It doesn’t have to be scriptural by the way, but I find it hard to talk about love – the very essence of God – without talking about Him. That might just be me though – you already know I’m a little bizarre.
Like any recommendations? Hehe…you probably know more than I do!
and then it means exactly the opposite also!) 
June 4, 2009
Love… wow.
Friendship has taught me that we need others in our lives. They challenge us, they help us experience the world around us in new and different ways. A true friend is there beside you to help you through the good time and the bad, and something that should be cherished. Friendship has taught me how to share in one another's burdens. To lift up those around me in prayer, to share the joys and pains, to laugh and to cry for things that aren't "mine" and truly experience them through another.
Marriage taught me how to love deeply – for better or worse, in good times and bad. It begins with a desire for that person to be your everything (at times) and grows into the realization that no one but God can (or should) be your everything. But that other person IS your other half in many ways. They are there beside you, helping you, nurturing you, growing with you. Love will continue to grow and deepen – despite hurts, despite pain, love can and will endure. It will heal. And it will fill you up and bring such joy in the midst of the trials of life. Marriage has taught me about true, deep commitment. And reminds me not to take him for granted.
Parenthood has taught me more about God's love than anything else in my life. To have a child is to send your heart out walking around in the world each day. Their simply being alive makes you love them. When they show love in return, it is a huge blessing. When they attempt to withdraw that love it is painful, but you still love them, and hope that by continuing to love them, they will come around again. Witnessing their achievements fills you up inside, seeing their hurts breaks your heart. Parenthood had taught me about how God loves us, and reminds me that even when I choose to ignore Him, He still loves me and is patiently waiting for me to come back home. He is always waiting for us, always loving us.
This is love, that you would lay down your life for a friend… or an enemy. That is the love of God, that He would sacrifice His only Son so that EVERYONE could be saved. He died not only for those of us who call Him Lord, but for those that despise and curse Him, that they could one day come to love Him.
THAT is amazing love.